Eric Dane, the American actor best known for his roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, has died at the age of 53, less than a year after publicly revealing his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

His family confirmed the news in a statement, saying Dane passed away on Thursday afternoon following a “courageous battle with ALS.” They added that he spent his final days surrounded by loved ones and asked for privacy during this time.

Dane rose to international prominence through his portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy. His charismatic performance turned the character — widely known by the nickname “McSteamy” — into one of the medical drama’s most memorable and beloved figures. Years later, Dane delivered a strikingly different performance as Cal Jacobs in HBO’s Euphoria, playing a layered and deeply conflicted patriarch.

Born in San Francisco in 1972, Dane built a career that spanned more than three decades. After early television appearances in the 1990s, he gained wider recognition with roles in series including Charmed and later headlined the action drama The Last Ship. His film credits included Marley & Me, Valentine’s Day, and Burlesque.

In April 2025, Dane publicly shared his ALS diagnosis. In the months that followed, he became an advocate for research and awareness, lending his voice to initiatives supporting patients and funding treatment development. His efforts drew widespread support and earned him recognition, including being named among Time magazine’s most influential figures in health.

News of his passing prompted tributes from colleagues and collaborators. Patrick Dempsey, his Grey’s Anatomy co-star, remembered Dane as “a joy to work with,” praising his humour and intelligence. Euphoria creator Sam Levinson described working with him as “an honor,” adding that “being his friend was a gift.”

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that affects nerve cells responsible for muscle movement. There is currently no cure.

Eric Dane is survived by his daughters, Billie and Georgia.